What Went Right For The Azkals?

Everyone is still riding high on the euphoria of the Azkals' 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka's Brave Reds. In fact, the Azkals that showed up for yesterday's game seemed totally different from the ones that played 5 days ago.

It's time to break down what went right for the Azkals in this game.

Azkals Win 4-0 Over Sri Lanka!

It was an unbelievable performance from the Azkals as they added 2 more goals in the second half, one from a breakaway by Angel Guirado and another from a penalty kick by Phil Younghusband.

But more than that, it was the crisp passing from the midfield and the tenacious defense that was the biggest difference in this match.

The Azkals have now rewritten history, becoming the first Philippine team to qualify for the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.

Next up, Kuwait.

Azkals 2, Sri Lanka 0: Halftime!

This is an entirely different Azkals team from the one we saw a couple of days ago.

Right from the first minute, the Azkals were aggressive, speedy and highly technical in their attack against Sri Lanka.

They rained shot attempts on the Brave Reds, which was fitting as the rain poured down.

Chieffy Caligdong showed impeccable footwork as he wheeled in the box to boot in a goal from a Phil Youghusband header.

Phil Younghusband then pounced on a defensive mistake by the Sri Lanka defense to fake the Brave Reds goalie out of his shoes and boot in a controversial goal. Controversial by virtue of a linesman raising a flag to signal a fould on Younghusband but being overruled by the ref and assistant ref.

It should be an interesting second half for the Azkals.

Phil Younghusband Scores! Azkals 2, Sri Lanka 0!

Phil Younghusband capitalizes on a Sri Lankan mistake and scores a controversial goal!

30 Minutes Before Kick-Off!

We've got 30 minutes left before the Azkals continue on their quest to rewrite history.

For the Azkals to emerge victorious, here are 3 crucial things that must happen:
Guirado, Phil Younghusband and Schrock must dominate up front. The trio must become a cohesive offensive force that should force the Sri Lankan defense to errors and gambles. An early goal can mean a more desperate Brave Reds team and more chances for the Azkals to capitalize.

What Happened During The Azkals-Sri Lanka Match?

It's been two days since the Azkals salvaged a draw against Sri Lanka, a team they were supposed to beat (by 2 goals, if we were to believe former Azkal coaches).

As the hysteria dies down, let's take a look at the what really happened during the match.

Azkals To Go For Win In Manila!

The Azkals need only to hold the Sri Lankans to a goalless draw to advance to the next round. But team officials say that they will not settle for a draw in front of what they expect to be record crowds of Azkal fanatics.

Azkals Coach Hans Michael Weiss said he was not thrilled by the 11-draw in Sri Lanka but is now focused on the Sunday game here. He is drawing up a new game plan which might include replacing the injured Phil Younghusband as striker. Options include Colombo game scorer Nate Burkey and veteran Ian Araneta.

More on this story here.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 1-1 Final Score

Azkals salvage a 1-1 decision, with substitute Nate Burkey scoring a goal in the second half off a Chieffy Caligdong cross.

The 1-1 score means the Azkals are 1 point ahead, as away goals count as 2 points. If the Azkals hold the Brave Reds to a0-0 draw on Sunday, they will move on to the second round.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: Almost a Reds Goal

Kudos to Neil Etheridge for saving a well hit ball. Score should be 2-1 in favor of Sri Lanka but Etheridge comes to the rescue with a diving punch out.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 85th Minute

Last 5 minutes. No decent chances for either team. Ball remains at the middle of the field.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 75th Minute

Azkals now dominating the game but still unable to add to the score. Nate Burkey comes out in favor of Ian Araneta who almost scores 1 minute in.

Azkals Score!

Fantastic goal by the Azkals! Nate Burkey heads in a header by James Younghusband from a fabulous Chieffy Caligdong cross.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: Halftime!

Azkals 0, Sri Lanka 1.

Great opportunities for the Azkals but no conversions yet.

Sri Lanka was definitely more aggressive, more physical. They must have been listening to all the talk about how the Azkals should cream them and decided they wanted to do some creaming of their own.

There were definitely some warning signs early on, with the Reds able to penetrate down the left flank and even had a shot at an open goal. The defensive mediocrity is definitely hurting us now.

My guess is Coach Weiss is chewing out the boys for responding to the physical play of the Reds, getting three yellow cards early on. Phil Younghusband was a shadow of his usual self and was pulled out at around the 35th minute.

For the Azkals to get back, they need to forget the physical play and go athletic. Outrun the Reds defense get the goal back.

Azkals Go Down 0-1!

The unthinkable has happened. Sri Lanka scores first on a beautiful direct kick.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 20th Minute

Two great chances for the Philippines, one, a curving ball by Phil Younghusband that was caught by the Reds goalie and a cross that Phil Younghusband sent wide.

There was a near fight too, as Phil Younghusband was brought down by a clumsy challenge and then the Red feigned an injury. James Younghusband lost his temper and got a yellow card, as well as Manny Ott.

Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity to score on an open goal but they sent it over the bar.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 5th Minute

We may have underestimated Sri Lanka. They are definitely the more aggressive team and the Azkals are struggling to keep up.

First real chance comes courtesy of Sri Lanka, a header from a cross that went straight to Etheridge.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds About To Start!

We're 5 minutes away from the kick off. I expect nothing less than dominance from the Azkals. Keep tuned to the Sportster as I bring you updates every 10-15minutes (or whenever something notable happens)

Let's go Azkals!

Coaches Predict Azkals Victory!

It could be merely patriotism that lef former PHL coaches Juan Cutillas and Norman Fegidero Jr to predict an Azkal victory in Sri Lanka.

It could also be recent history, as the Azkals have done very well in the AFC Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup.

That being said, the predictions of these former PHL coaches may very well be added fuel to the promising PHL-Sri Lanka match tomorrow, with the Azkals hoping to make history by moving on the the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.

More on this story here.

Azkals Tickets To Be Sold On June 3!

If you're a die-hard Azkalero/Azkalera, here's the news you've been waiting for...tickets for the July3 tiff between the Azkals and Sri Lanka go on sale this June 3!

The main problem...the most affordable tickets are priced at 200pesos at you sit behind one of the goals. The next section is priced at 300pesos and you get to sit at the exposed part of the bleachers.

No Free Tickets For Azkals Vs Brave Reds!

When the Azkals played Mongolia's Blue Wolves in Bacolod, tickets to the game were free and everyone plus their grandma came to watch.

No such thing this time around.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta announced yesterday that they will charge entrance fees for every spectator, as the PFF needs money to stage the match.